A HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN SIX GLASSES
By Tom Standage (2005)
PART ONE: Dialectical Journal Passage | Reaction(Reflection, Question, Connection, or Evaluation) | (Beer) “The most likely explanation for this preference is that, unlike food, beverages can genuinely be shared. When several people drink beer from the same vessel, they are all consuming the same liquid; when cutting up a piece of meat, in contrast, some parts are usually deemed to be more desirable than others. As a result, sharing a drink with someone is a universal symbol of hospitality and friendship. It signals that the person offering the drink can be trusted, by demonstrating that it is not poisoned or otherwise unsuitable for consumption.” (Page 21) | Each time I have company over, without thought to why, I have always offered my guest(s) a beverage. I’ve never even given consideration to as why drinks are often shared rather than food, much of the less never thought about what sharing a drink with someone can symbolize. I can connect this to the world by that many people authentically share drinks whether it is at a small gathering or a party for it does actually indicate hospitality, friendship, and even a sense of trustworthiness. | (Beer) “Liquids, being easily divisible, make ideal currencies.”- (Page33) | Like described in the above quote, liquid is easy to be shared equally. This allows beverages such as beer to be a system of money in general use. Once again, I’ve never given any thought to beverages, much less about how it would be a supreme currency. I think the author is trying to convey that liquid can be a good way to make money or to give out in payments, for it is described how several people would be paid through beer and bread:“bread and beer, became more than just staple foodstuffs; they were convenient and widespread forms of payment and currency.” | (Beer) “… although